'It looks a hell of a race' - everything you need to know about the Shloer Chase

2.25 Cheltenham
Shloer Chase (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

In the arc of the two-mile chasing division, the Shloer Chase represents little more than the count off.

Its first running was an emotive one, with Well Chief having his last big day, but since then it has been a more hard-headed briefing for the season ahead.

Sprinter Sacre's 'comeback' in 2015 was actually the start of something much bigger, while Defi Du Seuil launched his pre-Cheltenham dominance of the division here 12 months ago.

No one learned more from last year's Shloer Chase than Paul Nicholls. Politologue was buried by Defi Du Seuil's change of gear in November, so when they next met at Cheltenham, Nicholls called on Harry Skelton.

Skelton's own special move, deft aggression on the front, delivered the biggest prize of all in the Champion Chase and left Defi Du Seuil toiling.

Now the rest have been shown where the sniper is positioned, it feels as if Defi Du Seuil is vulnerable. Admittedly, that is based on one run and he has the ability to change that. It will be interesting to see how Richard Johnson approaches the ride, given he has partnered Defi Du Seuil just once before over fences.

The principal challenger is new to the championship two-mile division. Put The Kettle On was first in the Arkle, while Riders Onthe Storm spent his first season with Nigel Twiston-Davies around two and a half miles.

Put The Kettle On gets her mares' allowance and only a half-penalty for winning the Arkle. That race was supposed to be a pace burn-up, but in event she led most of the way without having to overdo it.

It is expected that Aidan Coleman will be allowed the lead here, as nothing else in the field tends to do any more than tail the leaders.

Stamina should be the emphasis for Riders Onthe Storm, who copes with the worst ground Ascot can throw up in winter. He looks perhaps the most attractive at the prices, if you are willing to take the chance on his jumping holding up.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

Defi Du Seuil

After taking the two-mile chase division by storm last season it seems a little unfair to say Defi Du Seuil is embarking on a recovery mission in the Shloer Chase but he returns to action after the only disappointing run of a high-achieving campaign in the Champion Chase.

A lacklustre fourth behind Politologue at the festival, connections were unable to pinpoint any specific issue and are looking for him to return to the form that saw him go unbeaten through the Shloer, Tingle Creek and Clarence House Chase last season, when he was simply a cut above his rivals.

"He seems to be in very good form and the conditions will be in his favour," said trainer Philip Hobbs. "He won the race last year and if he runs up to his best, then he's got a very good chance."

Highest rated in the field with an official handicap mark of 169, Defi Du Seuil is tasked with giving 10lb away to Put The Kettle On, although his rating is 14lb superior to hers.

Hobbs said: "I think it looks a strong race but we think he’s going there with a great chance."

Put The Kettle On

On this day last season, Put The Kettle On put in a spotless round of jumping to land the Arkle Trial and returned to Cheltenham in March to cause a 16-1 surprise in the main event.

Put The Kettle On: 'She was brilliant for us last season and hopefully she can run a nice race'Credit: Edward Whitaker

She had another of today's rivals, Rouge Vif, well beaten in third at the festival and she is undoubtedly one of the most exciting second-season chasers in training.

"We're really looking forward to getting her started off, she's in good form and has gone over there fine," said her trainer Henry de Bromhead.

Owned by the One For Luck Racing Syndicate, Put The Kettle On will be putting her unbeaten record at Cheltenham on the line as she steps out of novice company for the first time over fences, although she does receive a 7lb sex allowance.

Her main asset is undoubtedly her quick and accurate jumping and she has been beaten only once over fences from six starts.

De Bromhead added: "She was brilliant for us last season and hopefully she can run a nice race."

What the rest say

Brian Ellison, trainer of Forest Bihan
He jumped into a tendon when he won, which is why he's had more than a year off. Everything is fine now but he'll improve for the run. We're lacking in places to run these types of horses but he's well in himself. Better ground suits him but he's got to run.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Riders Onthe Storm
We're looking to see if we can broaden his horizons by running over two miles. He was going well when he fell in the Ryanair and was fine following that. He's training well and any rain shouldn't be a problem.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Duc Des Genievres
It looks a hell of a race. It's the first time we've run him and, on the basis of last season's form, he'd need to improve. It's a bit of a watching brief for us.
Reporting by Lewis Porteous

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